7 Myths About the 4th of July

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is one of the most exciting holidays of the summer. With fireworks, barbecues, parades, fairs, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political ceremonies, and other celebrations many find the holiday to be a great way to appreciate and celebrate America. The federal holiday commemorates the thirteen American colonies regarding themselves as a new nation, the United States of America. In addition, it is the National Day of the United States.

However, most Americans are misinformed when it comes to the holiday. But don’t feel too lost! These myths have been spread around for decades. Children are even learning some incorrect information in school about the history of America and the Fourth of July. Most of these myths make complete sense and you wouldn’t have questioned it!

The Date July 4th isn’t Correct

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Many believe that America’s Independence was declared on July 4th, 1776, as well as thinking the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776. However, neither is true!

July 4th was the date printed on the Declaration of Independence; however the Continental Congress actually declared independence from the British on July 2nd. The congress approved the final wording of the document two days later, hence the printed date. John Adams famously believed that July 2nd should be America’s birthday, even protesting Fourth of July celebrations because of the inaccuracy.

The exact date that the Declaration of Independence was signed has long been debated. While three of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, claimed they signed on July 4th, 1776, it was impossible that all delegates signed on the date. Not all 56 delegates were present on July 4th and didn’t sign the document until August 2nd.

The Liberty Bell Cracked on July 4th, 1776

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Some believe that the Liberty Bell was cracked because of the first July 4th celebration. The U.S. announcement of independence definitely prompted a party, however joyful Americans didn’t ring the Liberty Bell until it cracked that night. In fact, the bell likely didn’t ring at all that day. The bell wasn’t likely rung until July 8th during the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence.

The crack we see on the Liberty Bell today appeared sometime during the 19th century however the exact date is unknown. It was also during this time period that the bell became better known as the Liberty Bell, a term coined by abolitionists.

The Declaration of Independence Holds Secret Messages

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Some of these myths are of a more modern origin. This myth started quickly after the popular film National Treasure depicted several secret messages hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence. The National Archives does admit, however, that something is written on the back of the document. But it isn’t secretive and doesn’t hold any clues!

A line on the bottom of the Declaration reads “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." This was most likely because the document would have to be rolled up for storage during travel. The reverse side writing would help to identify the document as it was rolled up.

Betsy Ross Made the First American Flag

This myth is a tiny bit tricky due to the lack of evidence for both sides. There is no tangible proof that Betsy Ross played a part in designing or sewing the first American flag in 1777. The story of the seamstress creating the flag didn’t come around until nearly a century after the fact. Ross’ grandson created the story and the only evidence is testimony to this family tradition. In addition, there is no records from the Continental Congress that a committee was held to design the national flag.

In order to be fair, there is also no conclusive evidence that would lead us to believe Ross didn’t sew the flag and there are a couple of reasons she may have done so. Betsy Ross was paid a large sum of money from the Pennsylvania State Navy Board for making flags in May of 1776. Ross also had family members and friends that were close to the Marine Committee and Continental Army.

Today, curious Americans can visit the Betsy Ross House on Philadelphia Arch Street (which Ross may or may not have lived in) and draw a final conclusion for themselves if the story is true.

America was United Against the British

The Revolutionary War wasn't a united front from Americans. Instead, there were large numbers of Americans who were loyalists to the crown. Numbers are estimated that 10 to 20 percent of Americans were loyalists, and approximately 50,000 even served on the British militia.

The American forces struggled because of a divided nation. The enthusiasm of many American men also began to wane after the realization that the struggle for independence would be long and difficult. At the same time, the concerns for their farms and other livelihoods grew. After the initial enlistment rush, many colonies had to resort to cash incentives as early as 1776 and were drafting men by the end of 1778.